We have introduced an automated booking system. The system provides patients with an alternative option for booking a same day telephone appointment, checking or cancelling an existing appointment or requesting a repeat prescription. We are hopeful that this will improve access for patients who need to contact us for a same day telephone appointment but are unable to call at 8.00 am. A number of same day appointments are available to book between 6.00 am and 7.59 am Monday to Friday. Once all appointments are full but a same day appointment is required, patients will be returned to the main menu to select Option 2 to speak to a member of the reception team.
The automated system is not presently available for the booking of same day appointments after 8.00 am
Patients can access the automated system by pressing Option 1 on our telephone system. Patients using the system are advised to listen to instructions carefully and not to hang up until the system confirms that your appointment has been booked. During the call you will be asked to leave a short message for the clinician to explain the reason for the request. Please keep the message brief. Messages can only be retrieved for confirmed appointments. Therefore, if the system does not confirm that your appointment has been booked, your message cannot be accessed by our staff. Patients wishing to request their repeat prescription via the automated system will need to obtain a PIN number from Reception or Dispensary.
Patients may continue to book appointments with our reception team by selecting Option 2 on the telephone system. Once we are happy that the system is working correctly, we will look at expanding the automated booking system to provide an alternative option for the booking of other appointments (eg blood tests, Flu). We welcome feedback from patients who have used this system.
Patients should be aware that the morning telephone list may be closed early due to high patient demand and at the discretion of the duty doctor. Patients are therefore advised to contact the surgery as early as possible. The practice also request that you disclose as much information as possible to the receptionist regarding your symptoms. This is purely so that you are booked with the appropriate clinician. The clinician will then be able to prioritise your call depending on your symptoms. If the telephone list is full when you call, you may be asked to attend a local Pharmacist or a local walk in centre. A list of alternative urgent care services including local walk in centres is available from reception and on this website. Information is also available on the appropriate use of Accident and Emergency Departments.